Q: What is sinusitis?
A: Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation of the tissue lining of the sinuses that afflicts millions of people each year. Normally, sinuses are filled with air, but when sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi) can grow and cause an infection. Structural issues such as narrowed drainage anatomy are often associated with sinusitis.
Q: What is balloon sinus dilation?
A: Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment for sinusitis. A small balloon is inserted into the narrowed sinus drainage pathway or opening, inflated to remodel and expand the pathways, deflated and removed.
Q: How does balloon sinus dilation treat sinusitis?
A: Blocked sinus drainage pathways prevent effective drainage and healing. By expanding sinus opening and drainage pathways, balloon sinus dilation restores proper drainage.
Q: How long does the balloon sinus dilation procedure take?
A: The procedure length is dependent on your specific condition and anatomy. Discuss with your physician to learn more.
Q: Will the procedure require any anesthesia?
A: Balloon sinus dilation can be performed under local or general anesthesia, in an office or an operating room.
Q: How quickly after treatment can I return to normal activities?
A: Many patients can resume their normal activities the next day.1 Your doctor may recommend that you refrain from strenuous activities (such as heavy lifting) for a week after the treatment.
Q: Are there any risks or complications associated with balloon sinus dilation?
A: As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications exist with balloon sinus dilation. All patients should consult their doctors to determine if their conditions present any special risks.
Q: Is balloon sinus dilation suitable for everyone?
A: Only your physician can tell you if balloon sinus dilation is a viable option to treat your sinusitis. Experience has shown that many patients with recurring or persistent sinusitis can be treated with balloon sinus dilation.
Q: Can balloon sinus dilation be performed if the patient has a deviated septum?
A: Several balloon dilation clinical studies have included data on patients with septal deviations. This data affirms balloon dilation delivers clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement to patients with and without septal deviation.1,2 That said, a physician should assess the severity of a patient's septal deviation and determine if balloon sinus dilation is an appropriate treatment option.
Q: Is balloon sinus dilation covered by insurance?
A: Balloon sinus dilation is covered by many insurance companies throughout the United States. Use our Coverage Finder tool to locate insurance companies in your area that cover the procedure.